In May 2014, violence ignited between people and wildlife. An elephant killed a woman from a local village in Kenya and was, in turn, shot and killed. Left behind in the chaos, Mbegu was targeted by the grieving and angry community. Even children began throwing stones at her.

Mbegu just after being rescued from a village where people were attacking her.The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Mbegu (right) after her rescue, already bonding with a keeper. |
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Since becoming a resident of the elephant orphanage at DSWT, Mbegu has shown how resilient and loving she still is. Not only has she bonded with her keepers, who are raising her to be an independent elephant in the wild, she's also taken on the role of "mini-matriarch" of the motley crew of orphans - each with their own painful past.

Mbegu (right) helps Ngilai play in the dust. |
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

She even steps in when there's conflict between the little ones. "When Rapa tried to push Naseku and Ndotto during the public visiting hour, Mbegu drove him out of the group for some time out!" Alden said.

But Mbegu knows the importance of play for the babies, who have been through more in their little lives than many beings have in a whole lifetime. "She loves playing with the babies, playing mock hide-and-seek and then running away as though she's scared - comical when it's tiny Ndotto she's running from," Alden said.

Mbegu (left) with good friend Kamok.The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Mbegu (left) with good friend Kamok. |
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

When the orphans are let out of their stockades for play, Mbegu often escorts the seemingly defeated or sad orphans with encouragement, showing them how to go on with their lives. "She welcomes them warmly and strokes them with her trunk," Alden said.

Mbegu is also always the first to wallow in the mud bath, according to Alden.